A Wish On The Stars

Nobody can hear a scream in the vacuum of space, or so they say.

And a shooting star in space makes far less noise to the earth below when it begins its descent.

But perhaps the star is actually something far different than we think it is...

**************************************************************

The man was shoved forward until he fell to his knees, bright silver chains buzzing with electricity binding his wrists and ankles. Raising his head, he fixed the council before him with a glare, his eyes burning into their unsympathetic faces.

“Agent Hadar, you are hereby charged with abusing the privileges and powers granted by Polaris. Because of your lack of respect for authority, wilful misconduct, theft, and general law-breaking, you will Fall.”

For the first time since he had entered the room, a trace of actual fear flitted across the prisoner’s face. His stony expression faltered.

“You are stripped of your rank, title, and tasks as an A-level granting agent for a wish-star, effective immediately,” the head of the council continued sternly. “And you will return to your star for commencement of the Falling.”

“I suppose I have no final words,” the prisoner scowled.

“Nothing you possibly have to say can atone for the atrocities you have committed. You broke faith with the powers you have been entrusted with. Your crimes cannot be justified.”

“I was using my gifts, as one should.”

The head council member leaned forward, her silver hair falling past her cheeks.

“Not from the motivations of a selfish heart,” she said. “Guards, remove the former Polaris agent and see him back to his star to begin the Falling process.”

“You’re making a mistake,” the prisoner growled. His chains rattled as he shifted against the guards’ attempt to take hold of him.

“The mistake was yours, Agent Hadar. Polaris does not tolerate thievery and law-breaking. As one of her highest order, you should have been among our brightest. Instead, you bring shame upon Polaris. Fortunately all of the Dust has been returned. You, however, Agent Hadar, will not.”

The prisoner was turned around and led away to his own satellite. At the door the guards stopped him, removed the chains, and ushered him in unshackled. The prisoner stood in the center of the small, round room and didn’t even turn to face his captors as they shut him inside.

A humming noise began to build. The ex-agent walked to the wide window that replaced the entire north wall and leaned his forearm on it, gazing out upon the vast sea of stars and galaxies from the headquarters of Polaris. Inhaling deeply, a tiny smile flickered on his lips.

“Not quite all the dust, oh council,” he murmured, his hand stealing to an inner pocket of his long, silvery trench coat.

A low boom was heard, and Hadar lurched forward as the satellite was released from its orbit and began its descent. As the craft built in speed, Hadar continued to stand at the window, firm as stone. Stars, planets, and comets whizzed by in an increasing wave of brightness.

The Falling had begun.

*********************************************************************

“Look, a shooting star!”

“Rory, it's just a star.”

“Yeah, but come on, Darcy! A shooting star isn’t something you see every day!”

“You’re right.” Darcy linked her arm through Rory’s. “It is pretty cool.”

The two girls gazed up at the evening sky. Glittering stars fixed in their natural places made the beaming trail of the falling star stand out even more.

“That one’s sure bright,” Darcy remarked. “It’s taking a long time. Aren’t they usually quicker, like a flash or something?”

“We can ask Professor Rasalas tomorrow,” Rory said eagerly. “He’ll know.” Her short, dark hair brushed against her forehead as she swept her bangs behind one ear and threw her head back. Drinking in the night sky, she exhaled and smiled. “It’s so beautiful.” Pulling out her phone, she took a video of the slow-falling star. The ball glowed brighter and brighter. It continued to shine as it arced across the navy canvas. A few more seconds, then it faded and vanished.

“Did you make a wish?” said Darcy playfully.

Rory smirked. “Duh, no way! Everybody knows you wish on the North Star.”

“How do you know, though? What if wishing on a shooting star was even more guaranteed to make your wish come true” Darcy demanded as the girls turned and walked slowly along the Annapolis harbor. The water licked quietly at the docks, calm and peaceful. Streetlamps burned their energy with spotlights of yellow dotting the street.

“The brightest one. Polaris.” Rory smiled. “That has to be it.”

“Well, you would know, Miss magic-fanatic,” teased her friend. They walked closer to the harbor and leaned against the railing.

“So, what would you wish for if you could wish for anything?” Darcy asked with a grin.

“Oh, I don’t know...what about you?”

“Passing finals, obviously.”

The girls laughed and then quieted as they gazed out over the rippling water. The soft glow from streetlights danced on the ocean.

“You really don’t have anything you might want, if you could have anything? Or go any place? Be anything?” Darcy pressed after a minute, listing her head toward Rory.

Rory sighed. “My life just seems so aimless this year, Darce. It’s like, even though I’m working on a major I picked out-”

“And changed three times,” Darcy interrupted.

Rory elbowed her. “I just don’t know what I want to do or who I want to be or what road to take. And it’s stressing me out because I feel like I need to know all that right now. I don’t want to fall behind everybody else.”

Darcy put her arm around her. “Hey, you have to live your life. Comparison only hurts you. And you don’t have to figure it all out right now anyway. Who says you have to?”

“Says the history major who graduated high school a year early and already has her summer internship nailed down and is going to be featured on the History channel one day.”

“But that was my choice, my path. And Rory...you have to choose yours. You will. And don’t forget,” Darcy added, “you have a fascination with the wildly imaginative and space and stuff. You could do your thesis on astronomy if you wanted to. And you do have passion for things. Look how excited you got over that shooting star!”

“Yeah,” Rory mumbled, trying to keep her downhearted expression. “But that’s just an interest I have. It isn’t like a profession I want to get into. It’s too much work and too long a time in school.”

“Why don’t you ask Professor Rasalas about that, too?” Darcy suggested. “He’s super smart and knows more about stars and planets than anybody. You could ask him about, like, jobs in that field or relating to it that maybe don’t require a decade longer in college. Surely he’ll have something to offer. And you may as well use what you’re interested in to drive your career.”

“Yeah,” Rory repeated, hope beginning to brighten in her eyes. “Maybe I will. Good idea, Darce.”

“You’re welcome. Now, enough of this,” Darcy announced, taking Rory’s arm. “Come on, you can talk to the professor tomorrow and get his input. For now, we are getting ice cream!”

Giggling and chattering like teenagers, they walked away from the harbor and up one of the adjoining streets that opened up onto the plaza by the waterfront.

*****************************************************************

Agent Leo slouched at his desk, hand splayed across his face.

“I’m sorry, Leo. I know Hadar was your best friend. It couldn’t have been easy turning him in.”

“I honestly wish I’d been oblivious to the whole thing,” Leo muttered, his mouth pushed up against the palm of his hand. With a loud sigh he pulled his hand down his face and gazed bitterly out the window. Stars and satellites shone beyond the glass, stretching into an endless expanse of galaxy. The headquarters of Polaris shimmered as the largest station amongst all the smaller satellite stars.

“You know, I still don’t get it,” he said. “I mean, I understand the facts. I just don’t understand why.”

“It’s because you’re so pure of heart, my boy,” said Titania kindly. She stood behind him and looked over his shoulder at the sea of stars and space. “You aren’t in the granting division. If you were, you might understand the pull of the power. Still," she said with a sigh, "that’s no excuse for yielding.”

“Granters aren’t supposed to abuse their positions. Hadar did exactly that. Why?” Leo spun away from the window to face Titania. Her short silver hair neatly framed her narrow face, and her sparkling blue eyes glistened with sympathy.

“Dear, one soul cannot fully understand the heart of another. We can only know and see their spoken thoughts and actions.”

“Well, I thought I understood him. He was the closest person to me.” Leo’s voice rose. “And now I don’t understand at all. I feel like I have absolutely no control over anything whatsoever. I’ve lost everything.”

“You haven’t lost everything, dear,” she said gently, putting a hand on his shoulder. “You are the best starkeeper we have. And that job is imperative to the functioning of Polaris. It helps the granters do what they do in safety. And you are not alone.”

“I know all that,” he snapped. “But I’ve still lost Hadar. He was like my own brother.”

“That wasn’t your fault, Leo.”

“I turned him in! I put him in chains myself. I caught him stealing the Dust.”

“You did your job,” her voice grew firmer. She took hold of his arm and turned him around. “You did the right thing, Leo. Never forget it. And more importantly, you did the right thing when it was especially, personally painful to you.”

Leo hung his head. She put her hand under his chin and raised his face so she was looking him in the eye.

“Have I ever given you reason to doubt me, Leo?”

He sighed and shook his head. “No...Mother.”

She smiled and took him in her arms. As they embraced, there was a knock on the door.

“Come in,” Leo called, separating from Titania.

“Agent Leo, you are to report to the control center immediately.”

“I have already testified against former Agent Hadar,” said Leo, confusion clouding his expression.

“There is a situation, sir. Please report at once.”

Titania reached for Leo. “Do you know what they could want with you again?”

“Only one way to find out,” he said grimly. “This has been a fun week, hasn’t it?”

****************************************************************

Director Castor stood with one elbow planted on his opposite fist, the supported hand pressed against his mouth as he observed the proceedings of the incoming wishes to the control center of Polaris.

“Director,” Leo called as he entered the room and strode towards the center where the director stood.

Castor turned, the long white cape attached to his shoulders swirling around his ankles. “Agent Leo! We have a situation. Please…” He spread his gloved hand toward one of the panels.

Leo moved forward and the director walked with him. At the panel, the director removed one glove and danced his fingers along the virtual keyboard, opening a file already pulled up on the interface.

“Good work on apprehending former Agent Hadar,” the director said lightly as he worked, glancing at Leo. “Hard to believe such a faithful, decorated member of our team would go off the edge."

Leo’s lips tightened. “Yes, sir.”

Something in his voice caused Castor to give him a second look before going back to his work. “I know the two of you were close. I’m sorry.”

“What do you have for me, sir?” Leo asked quietly.

Castor inhaled and swiped his hand across the panel, flipping through virtual pages of the folder. “What we didn’t realize is that former Agent Hadar was in the process of a granting when he was caught. The wish went unfulfilled.”

“Wait, he didn’t complete it?” Leo leaned forward. “How did he even have access to the catalog? His access should have been terminated at the time of imprisonment.”

“We don’t have a Falling very often,” Castor replied. “But we can’t leave a wish ungranted. This is one of our high-order wishes, too. Hadar was one of our finest. There is no substitute for his prowess.”

Leo crossed his arms. “So, what am I doing here?”

“Someone has to complete the granting,” said Castor quietly. “But there is more at stake.” His fingers paused as he looked up at Leo again. His eyes narrowed in thought as he pondered his next words. "We need another agent to complete the wish."

He continued staring at Leo. Leo's eyes widened and his mouth opened as comprehension dawned. He took a couple of steps back, shaking his head. "You...you aren't serious, are you? Sir?"

Castor said nothing. He pressed his lips together.

“Seriously?” Leo snorted, his voice sharp with with disbelief. “Director, I’m flattered, but this isn’t my division at all. I’m no granter. I’m a keeper. Why in the galaxy would you pick me to -”

“For your own salvation!” Castor cut him off, his eyes flashing.

Leo stilled. “What?”

Castor exhaled harshly and yanked his glove back on, flexing his fingers. “Hadar may have been banished, but he didn’t Fall empty-handed.”

“Meaning…” Leo’s voice grew colder.

Castor leaned toward him, his eyebrows furrowed. “Hadar was captured, but not all of the Dust was recovered.”

“That’s impossible,” Leo protested. “I couldn’t have overlooked -”

“Mistakes were made,” Castor spoke over him again. “Nothing can be done now except to retrieve that which was taken. In the wrong hands, that Dust could prove disastrous. We already cannot trust the thief. Now, some are beginning to wonder if we can trust the thief’s captor.”

Leo started. “My loyalty to Polaris is beyond question, Director. You know this.”

“And yet, you hesitated to report Hadar’s treachery. Again, he was your closest friend.”

“And yet, I turned him in, along with the Dust he stole!” Leo exclaimed.

“Not all of it. But there is a way to redeem yourself.”

“From my false accusation? Thank you ever so much,” said Leo coldly.

“You will follow Hadar,” said Castor breezily. “You will retrieve the Dust he took. You know how valuable it is.”

“Yes, Director.”

Castor put a hand on Leo’s shoulder. “Look, Leo, I know you to be a starkeeper of stellar character. But my top wish granter turned into a thief and power abuser. I don’t want to lose my best keeper, too. The Dust is under your protection, and you failed to protect it. You need to find Hadar and bring back the Dust before he abuses it further.”

“And the wish, sir?”

The Director pursed his lips. “We will research on our end and do what we can to pick up the threads of the granting. The problem is, Hadar took that wish’s supply of Dust with him. Without it, the wish cannot be granted.”

“So...can we not get more?”

Castor grimaced. “The Dustmaker can’t just whip up a fresh batch for us whenever we want it. We only have what we need here. Which is one reason it’s so concerning that Hadar was able to get away with some of it.”

Leo’s spine straightened. “I’ll bring back the Dust, sir. You can depend on me.”

“Good. I knew I could.” Castor shook his hand. “We’ll begin preparations for your departure.”

That evening Leo was looking through Hadar’s file, trying to figure out where his ex-friend might have gone. The Falling location wasn’t specified. And Leo had never spoken to a star agent who had Fallen about the experience. The Fallen never returned.

“Of all the galaxies and planets out there…” Leo rubbed his eyes and groaned. “Where are you, Hadar…”

He stood up and stretched, and as he did so his eyes fell on a folder lit up on his screen.

Agent Hadar: 10,357; Final Granting

Something clicked in Leo’s mind. It was just a thought, but…

He sat down and opened the folder, glancing through the contents.

“No, that’s ridiculous,” he muttered. “Why would he go to the location of his last wish?”

And yet, at least it was somewhere to start off.

“Ok, Leo.” He drummed his fingers on the desk with a flourish. “I guess you’re going to Maryland.”

**************************************************************

Rory shuffled her papers together and shoved them into her notebook. It was the last day of finals, and she had one more exam, but she wanted to get to Professor Freeman’s office first. It would be her last chance to speak with him in person before summer break, and that shooting star from last night, along with the idea of possibly finding out information about a career, sparked her desire to talk to the professor.

“Come in,” a genial voice called from behind the door as Rory knocked below the golden nameplate reading Dr. James Rasalas, PhD. She couldn’t help smiling as she entered the room.

Professor Rasalas’ office was her favorite of any of the teacher offices she’d been in throughout the school. Every wall was decorated in something related to the galaxy. Images of satellites, constellation charts, and paintings from Starry, Starry Night to more contemporary portraits. The rug in the center of the floor was like a piece of the sky fallen from above, bright stars mingling with the navy blue night. By the window stood a huge, fancy telescope. Bookshelves stood behind the desk and around the room, filled to bursting with volumes of every color and thickness.

The professor’s desk sat toward the back of the room, and behind the desk sat the professor.

When Rory entered, he looked up with raised eyebrows and an expression that went from anticipation to a relaxed smile. “Rory! What an unexpected pleasure. I thought you’d be knee-deep in finals today.”

Rory’s smile widened. Professor Rasalas always seemed happy to see her. The interest they both shared in the stars was a silver thread connecting them since his first class at the start of the semester. He had the most sympathetic face when someone spoke to him, and he leaned forward, eyebrows raised with a little furrow between them, and small smile on his lips as if nothing in the world could hold his attention like whatever the person was saying to him did.

Rory plunked herself down in one of the squashy chairs in front of his desk as comfortably as if she were in her own room and pulled out her phone. “Actually, I have one more. Biology.”

She stuck her tongue out, and Professor Rasalas pulled a queasy face.

“My sympathies,” he replied, tapping a few moments more on his keyboard. He pushed himself back from the desk and folded his hands, elbows resting on top. “Have you come for strength before stepping up to the challenge? I’m sure you’ll do well if you’re as strong a student in your other classes as you are in mine.”

“Thanks, professor, but…” She knit her brow as she unlocked her phone and fished through files. “I have something I wanted to talk to you about. And show you. I’ll start with the shorter thing first, I guess.”

She pulled up the video she had taken of the shooting star the night before, turned her phone around, and handed it to the professor.

He played the video in silence. She watched his face, and couldn’t tell what he was thinking. He kept his expression smooth. However, when he held out her phone afterwards, something was different in his eyes.

“That was beautiful. Thank you for showing me.”

“Have you ever seen a shooting star like that? That isn’t normal. I’ve seen shooting stars and they don’t fall and burn so slowly like that one. Do you think it was a comet?”

“No,” he said slowly. He took off his glasses and chewed on one of the arms. “That is...quite something. Very different. I haven’t seen anything like it before.”

“I was hoping maybe you could identify it,” said Rory. “How often does somebody see something like that, you know?”

“Tell you what,” he said suddenly, as if he had been thinking very hard. “Send me that video, will you? I can make some images from it to study. Perhaps you have made a world-changing discovery that will shape the scientific future of astronomy.”

He gave her a playful smile and raised his eyebrows. Rory smiled back. Professor Rasalas was always so personable and nice. He really was her favorite teacher.

“I’ll send it to you after finals are over,” she promised. “Oh, and...Professor?”

“Something else on your mind?” he asked.

“How did you get so interested in stars and galaxies and stuff, and what made you decide to pick the career you did and...you know, teach astronomy?”

He looked at her shrewdly. “Not sure where to plant your feet for your future, Rory?”

She shrugged and gave a half-hearted chuckle.

“All I can tell you is, even I haven’t accomplished everything I want to do in life, and I’ve been on this road for a long time.” Professor Rasalas leaned back in his chair and crossed one ankle across his opposite knee. “But if you’re passionate about something, don’t let anything, anything, stand in the way of your goals.” The intensity in his voice surprised her.

“But how do I find out what my goal is?” Rory pressed, starting to feel empty. “What if I never find it?”

“With your drive, you will. You and I have a lot in common, Rory.” Professor Rasalas stood up and started gathering papers on his desk. “We both share a love for what’s up there.” He pointed toward the constellation charts on the wall. “If you wanted to, you could pursue a doctorate and be a teacher, like myself. You might decide it’s going to be something you write about, if you choose to be a writer instead. Trust me, you’ll find something you can pursue which your interest fuels.”

“Thanks,” Rory mumbled, her shoulders slumping.

“Young lady, you have your whole life in front of you.” Professor Rasalas said gently. He scooped his papers into a leather briefcase and snapped it shut atop his desk. Grabbing it by the handle, he walked around the desk, coming to a stop in front of Rory, who turned to face him. Sliding his free hand into his pocket, he gave her a smile.

“You also have a gifted mind. I’ve no doubt the stars are your limit.” He gave her a conspiratorial wink and headed out the door.

******************************************************************

Professor Rasalas strode down the hall, his briefcase barely swinging as he didn’t miss a step. His eyes were focused, his mind clear, but racing.

It can’t be.

Yet, what other explanation is there?

He made his way to the parking lot and plunked his briefcase onto the passenger seat as he folded into his car. Pulling out his phone, he studied the video Rory had sent him. Frowning, he typed a few quick sentences and then held the phone to his ear. A couple of rings and the other line picked up.

“It’s me,” the professor said, glancing around out the car windows. “Are you here? Ok, look, I need your help on this. We had a deal. Don’t blow it. You’ve already been spotted...yes, I actually have it on video.”

He paused, bobbed his head in silent agreement, then added, “Fine. I’ll meet you tomorrow night. I’ll let you know where. Can you keep your identity a secret until then?”

Silence, then a growling murmur on the other end.

“Good. I expect you to deliver if you want me to make good on my end of the bargain. But you can’t let your guard down, understood?”

He waited a few seconds more, then hung up after the other end affirmed.

“Tomorrow night,” he murmured, gripping the steering wheel and rubbing his thumbs over it. “One step closer, James. One step closer.”